Anupam Kher

Anupam Kher, his life, career and biography

Anupam Kher (born 7 March 1955) is an Indian actor and the former Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India. Anupam Kher has appeared in over 500 films predominantly in the Hindi language and many plays. Anupam Kher is a recipient of two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. At Filmfare, Anupam Kher won the Best Actor award for Saaransh (1984) and Best Supporting Actor award for Vijay (1988), and also holds record for winning the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian five times for Ram Lakhan (1989), Lamhe (1991), Khel (1992), Darr (1993) and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995). Kher also won the National Film Award for Special Mention twice for Anupam Kher performances in Daddy (1989) and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005).

Besides working in Hindi films, Anupam Kher has also appeared in international films such as the Golden Globe nominated Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Ang Lee's Golden Lion–winning Lust, Caution (2007), David O. Russell's Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai (2019). Anupam Kher received a BAFTA nomination for Anupam Kher supporting role in the British television sitcom The Boy With The Topknot (2018).

Anupam Kher has previously served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and the National School of Drama in India. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for Anupam Kher contribution in the field of cinema and arts.

Kher was appointed Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in October 2017. Anupam Kher appointment was controversial, given Anupam Kher support for the Bharatiya Janata Party and perceived endorsement of Hindutva ideology, as well as prolonged absence from FTII. A year later, Anupam Kher resigned as the chairman of the FTII, citing Anupam Kher work commitments for the American TV show New Amsterdam.